Metal Divas: Please tell us what got you into music and describe your early days and journey thus far to be a vocalist.Kobra: When I was 8 years old I began classical training falling into the likes of Beethoven, Bach, and Vivaldi. When I was 15, the tides changed. I went to a Judas Priest concert, heard Painkiller, and was forever in love with the music and culture that came with it.

Metal Divas: In your opinion, what is the essence of music in general?Kobra: Music is there to evoke thoughts and emotions and strengthen us. Whether it is toward a place of happiness, inspiration, anger, sadness, or reminiscence, it opens and guides us to a place of feeling; a bigger “inner” place, than we were in before hearing it. Music is the sound of our life and aspirations.

Metal Divas: Describe any “before the show” rituals you might have.Kobra: I pace back and forth while chanting a monotone, private prayer I learned while in India.

Metal Divas: What is the most memorable moment of your career so far?Kobra: Every part of this career has been memorable because it has taken so much hard work to achieve even one baby step forward. One of my most favorite moments was the first time we saw people singing our music right along with us at a show. It was the first time I really realized people were paying attention.

Metal Divas: What is a rule — whether it’s a law, societal standard, or moral code that exists that you think should be broken?Kobra: People should marry or be together for love.

Metal Divas: Name five things you can’t live without:Kobra: 1 – My family

Metal Divas: Share any funny story while on the road or any crazy request received from a fan.Kobra: When we were in Europe last fall, my leather pants ripped open 2 mins before set time. I tried to safety pin the crotch back together but all the pins opened and scratched my legs as soon as I ran on stage. Not only were the first three rows staring at my underwear with their mouths open, I was in a lot of pain!

Metal Divas: What do you do to keep your voice in good shape?Kobra: Lots of rest, water, a healthy diet, and intense cardiovascular exercise. The healthier your heart is and more oxygen your lungs can hold, the better your live performance can be. You can move more without compromising the quality of the notes.

Metal Divas: Please give any advice to young aspiring vocalists who wanna enter the music industry.Kobra: The best thing you can do for yourself is not hold back and give it a shot. Jump right in and go for it. Seek mentorship from wherever you can. Learn by having real experiences and doing the work. Look up to the people that have done what you aspire to do and realize that they were aspiring people just like you. Know it is possible. I would also recommend taking some vocal lessons to learn proper techniques surrounding breath support and vocal protection. It’s scary when your instrument is in your body and you only get one! We have to fight for what we love or there is no meaning to life itself.

Metal Divas: Ten years from now you will be…Kobra: Still rocking out but doing our own headlining tours! We will also have 5 more albums out by then!

- 5 RANDOM QUESTIONS WE ASKED KOBRA -

Metal Divas: Do you parallel park or drive around the block?Kobra: Parallel Park

The gates of Hell are open and As Angels Bleed are storming out taking no prisoners with their superb Vampiric/Gothic metal! To tell you I am impressed would honestly be an understatement. I am in awe. Sydney (AUS) based duo Von Lehmann and Avelina De Moray is the haunted force behind As Angels Bleed. Make sure you remember that name as they will definitely be on the frontline of all things Vampire/Gothic metal in the future.

Two years in production and As Angels Bleed released their self-titled debut album in early 2013. People who are already familiar with the works of Vampire-inspired, Gothic artist Avelina De Moray can imagine the sounds of As Angels Bleed. For all newcomers, get ready to be very pleasantly surprised. To make a long story short, just think of temptation and seduction dressed in a pompous, theatrical atmosphere with thousands of hellions luring you into sonorous vice.

That’s exactly what stays in mind with As Angels Bleed as a whole, the predominant sinfully atmosphere under the veils of darkness and nocturnal ecstasy. It’s not just the heavy-duty guitar riffs, the prodigious vocals and charming keyboards but the way all of the above blend together and create clairvoyant and marvelous compositions. The subsistence of church bells, choir psalms and whispers throughout the record abet the band in establishing a cryptic, occult-like sensation which is strongly amplified by the Vampiric martyr Avelina De Moray herself.

The opener “Sinfully Yours” will captivate your soul, thanks to the sacrilegious voices of The Choir of the Dammed and Von Lehmann’s tight guitar riffs in combination with Avelina’s irresistible voice which is a perfect intro to “Desire“, one of the highlights of the album. “Let me show you what death tastes like” says Avelina in a bare, lascivious way disarming your senses in the blink of an eye leaving you helpless but to adore her dazzling vocal hymns. The melodies in As Angels Bleed are immense, endless and stay in memory for what it seems eternal. Exceptional Gothic harmonies and Vampiric themes are the trademarks of this band and something that I am sure many will try to clone in the future.

“I Drown” follows next with church bells opening this Gothic metal anthem which is the first power ballad of the record and one the best songs on the album. This song has a definite radio-friendly vibe without compromising or being mainstream for the masses. It feels as if it has been carefully chosen to lure the listener into the Vampiric world of As Angels Bleed. “Driven To Flames” speeds up the tempo, featuring some very nice growl male vocals in barter with Avelina’s lead voice. “Lumiere” slow things down again and make for a very emotional track of one pursuing love. The Choir of the Dammed still present to devise the nebulous atmosphere we have been listening all along.

“A Love Worth Dying For” is next, a song that questions what would we sacrifice for love. Avelina’s stunning vocals once again steal the show in combination with more of the growl male voices in the background. My personal favorite follows next, “Carfax Abbey” – just an amazing tune. Avelina’s vocal melodies in this one are exceptionally melancholic, nostalgic and eerie while at the same time The Hells Gate Symphonic Orchestra forges a delicate and graceful atmosphere. “Bloody Kisses” kicks in and it sounds as if the band specifically wrote this song to be performed in big arenas by thousands of screaming fans. Still in Gothic paths but with an almost Doom-like grief and affection.

The last song on the record is called “Beautifully Decayed” and it’s a little over 10 minutes long, perhaps a bit too much for my taste but nevertheless a solid composition. Avelina De Moray shines once again and the entire track has a Tristania/Draconian remorse. In general As Angels Bleed awaken memories of bands such as Lacuna Coil, The 69 Eyes and Within Temptation, even HolyHell in times, but without being a mime. In fact, for a self-released debut album As Angels Bleed manage to develop their own sound and that’s quite admirable.

Overall As Angels Bleed is an original and well produced album, which makes for an exquisite first introduction of the band. Von Lehmann and Avelina De Moray possess genuine talent which are capable of transforming into magnificent compositions. Most definitely one of the best Gothic metal albums of the year and by far superior of what many new bands release nowadays. Avelina delivers a vocal performance that many well known singers would wish to execute and that alone is a reason to buy As Angels Bleed. I hope they get signed by a major record label soon and get the support and recognition they deserve.

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